Blue Wing Inspections LLC

06/08/2026

Many buyer's are at the "starter home" level, which is still around 200k. That used to be a really nice house.
Some of the traps I see are the cosmetic issues are addressed, like paint, floorcoverings, and sometimes cabinetry. Often the functional systems such as roof, plumbing, electrical and HVAC are ignored.
If you are barely able to make the payment, insurance and property taxes, how will you deal with failure of a major system?
I have seen some homes lately where attention was paid to major systems over cosmetics and I must say, bravo!
A good home inspection will reveal the true condition of the home, don't say "I do" without a background check!

04/17/2026

It was a lot of years before there were but a handful of $200K houses in the Magic Valley. Now that number appears to be the entry level home, and I have inspected quite a few of them lately.
I look at the financing stats on that amount of money, and see something like $48K down and 1300 per month for 30 years. I'm not trying to be a crusader, your parent, or your financial coach, but I will say this: Do NOT get so excited that you qualified for a home loan, and will no longer be renting, that you skip the Home Inspection. Paint, LVP flooring, and Lowe's cabinets do nothing for the major systems and components of the home, which are largely out of view during a virtual, or in person walk through. Here are a few visual examples of what I am taking about.
This post is, in no way, intended to point blame at anyone in particular. Just that the law of supply and demand have driven prices of even the most basic of dwellings to a serious level and that repairs are not included in the mortgage payment.

03/17/2026

If you're getting ready to list your house and are skipping a pre-listing inspection, I encourage you to do a few things to soften the potential blow from a buyer's inspection once you are under contract. If you want a pre-listing inspection, give me a call Blue Wing Inspections LLC
1) Have your HVAC system serviced, have the documentation available: especially a a service sticker on the air handler with date and brief description of service "tune up, regular service, etc"
2) Have the backflow test sticker on the anti-backflow device for the sprinkler system.
3) Clean out the rain gutter system, including downspouts. Straighten out any damaged elbows and have splash blocks or extensions in place.
4) If you have a wood burning fireplace or stove, get it serviced / cleaned and make the receipt available.
5) Inspect the crawlspace: look for standing water leaks, or signs of leaks. Make sure all bare dirt is covered by the v***r barrier. Remove all porous debris such as wood and cardboard. Replace any fallen insulation: never re-use water damaged insulation. Open vents in spring, close in fall.
6) Make sure all areas are available for inspection: clear out closets for crawlspace and attic access, move items well away from the electrical panel(s), make arrangements for pets so the inspector can stay on task and not worry about them escaping or getting in the way.

03/04/2026

Sometimes I wish I could just be 100% honest. It is difficult to sugar coat some things I see.

03/02/2026

For some time, I was posting the "Defect of the Day" on Instagram and FB. Awhile ago, I decided to do away with IG, so I am going to try and be a bit more dilegant in posting some of the things I encounter while doing my job, here on FB, until I do away with it too.
If you're a plumber, no one need tell you what is wrong with this picture. Let's suffice to say that there are definitely times where it shows when you are winging it and outside your comfort level.

11/11/2025

11/05/2025

Cujo? Here boy....

10/16/2025

"What do you mean you didn't inspect the electrical panel or the attic?" Realtors, tell your sellers that home inspectors are not responsible for moving their belongings to inspect. Let's get the job done right the first time, keep the sale on schedule, and avoid costly return trip fees! Educate your client on how to prepare for a home inspection.
My name is Jeff Woodman, and I approve of this ad.